VHS Course Catalog

Russian Language and Culture

Join a 15-week-long journey across the globe and time to learn the basics of Russian language and culture. Students will learn survival Russian: from simple greetings and introductions to the ability to sustain a simple conversation in certain situations. Knowledge of Russian culture and its traditions will help participants not only communicate better in Russian, but also avoid cultural misunderstandings. The class will explore the culture, past and present: art, music, literature, traditions, holidays, history, and the people. Students will take a virtual tour of the Hermitage State Museum in St. Petersburg, listen to Russian songs, watch Mariinsky Theater Ballet performances, enjoy Russian rock and watch excerpts from Russian movies and cartoons.

Throughout the course, students will be introduced to the richness of Russian culture and language. They will communicate in elementary Russian, form and share opinions and attitudes about Russia and its culture, and compare and analyze the differences and similarities between English and Russian languages.

Prerequisites

None

Course Objectives

To introduce students to Russian culture, traditions, and people.

To introduce basic survival Russian.

To involve and interest students, as well as provide a frame of reference for Russian I course.

Technology requirements: Students will need access to Power Point and RealPlayer, as well as Internet, including YouTube website. This course requires students to have access to a computer with headphones, microphone, and software to record voice and save in WAV format. Students will also need to have the Russian language bar installed and activated. This is a free function of Windows XP.